Bologna vs Roma

February 21, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Having given a good account of themselves in the 1-0 defeat to AC Milan, Bologna aim to build on that performance and try and finally record the first home triumph in 2014. Meanwhile, AS Roma returned to the right track as they hammered Sampdoria at Stadio Olimpico, but their dismal away form is definitely a cause for concern.

Showing promise under Ballardini

Following some very good showings last season that had helped Felsinei achieve a mid table finish, Bologna experienced plenty of problems this term. After some under-par showings, the team slipped into the danger zone and the club chiefs ultimately decided to sack long-serving coach Stefano Pioli in the aftermath of the 2-0 defeat to Catania in the first fixture in 2014. Davide Ballardini was recruited as his replacement and Bologna indeed started showing plenty of promise. Felsinei recorded three straight draws against Lazio, Napoli and Sampdoria, before suffering a home defeat to Udinese. Bologna then finally returned to winning ways by defeating high-flying Torino on the road and they produced a very good performance against AC Milan at San Siro, but eventually returned home empty-handed after Mario Balotelli scored a very late goal. Nonetheless, having produced some very good performances against Italy’s top sides, Felsinei have reason for optimism ahead of the match against injury-hit Roma, especially as the team managed to prove that Alessandro Diamanti will not be sorely missed after all.

Diego Perez misses out through suspension, whereas Michele Pazienza, Francesco Della Rocca and Robert Acquafresca remain in the infirmary.

Selection worries for Garcia

AS Roma have seriously raised their profile this season, having finally managed to mount a serious challenge for Champions League positions. With no European distractions, the Giallorossi were able to give their best in domestic competitions and while they missed out on a place in the Coppa Italia final, they league campaign is progressing according to plan. Roma have all but secured Champions League qualification seeing as how they sit 10 points clear of fourth-placed Fiorentina and also have a game in hand. Rudi Garcia’s charges will also attempt to challenge Juventus for the league title, but that looks a bit far-fetched at the moment. While Roma continued with strong performances at Stadio Olimpico with the 3-0 triumph over Sampdoria, their poor showings on the road cannot give them reason for optimism ahead of the clash with revived Bologna. And having won just one of last seven fixtures on the travels, it is clear that odds of 1.50 (1/2) offered on away win do not provide value for money. The visitors also have several high-profile missings which should further damage their chances of winning at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

Francesco Totti, Douglas Maicon, Federico Balzaretti and Dodo are all out injured, whereas Mattia Destro and Vassilis Torosidis are major doubts.

Verdict

Having done so well against Italy’s top sides under Davide Ballardini, Bologna can be trusted to match their more illustrious opponents on Saturday evening. Roma not only struggle on the road but they can be without up to five important players at Renato Dall’Ara so I cannot see them winning this match.

Top pick: Bologna with +1 Asian handicap   2.08 (27/25) @ bet365

Alternative pick 1: Bologna not to lose   2.62 (13/8) @ Sportingbet

Alternative pick 2: Half-time draw   2.38 (11/8) @ Stan James

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